I can’t contain my excitement as I get to share all about Dani and Kendall’s incredible Crested Butte wedding at Ten Peaks. Let me tell you, their special day was an absolute masterpiece. From every corner, it was a seamless combination of beauty, authenticity, and pure joy. It was no ordinary wedding but a vibrant celebration of love and happiness. These remarkable ladies and their crew knew how to let loose and have a great time. You won’t want to miss a detail of this romantic mountain wedding!
The story of Dani and Kendall is like something straight out of a romantic novel. It all started with a twist of fate when both happened to tear their ACLs while skiing in completely different states. Little did they know that they would find themselves at the same physical therapy clinic in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, following their surgeries. Now, this is where it gets even more exciting: while chatting on a dating app in September 2019, Kendall had a hunch that she recognized Dani from the clinic. But let’s be real, in a city as huge as San Francisco, it seemed too good to be true.
Fast forward to their second date, when they made things official. Their love story took another leap forward a year and a half later when they embarked on a girls’ weekend with some of Kendall’s childhood friends. Toward the end of the trip, Dani popped the question on the beach. Without hesitation, Kendall said, “Yes!” If you want to take a trip down memory lane and check out their Colorado Fly Fishing Engagement Session, it’s a must-read!
The day kicked off with excitement as we gathered in their rooms at The Mountaineer Lodge, situated at the base of Crested Butte resort. It was a full-house affair with their closest family members and all-star bridal parties by their side. As we geared up for the mountain top ceremony at Ten Peaks (Umbrella Bar), we made a pit stop at a private meadow near Snodgrass Mountain—a popular spot for hikers and bikers just off Gothic Rd. This was where the magic happened. The ladies shared their intimate first look, followed by a heartfelt exchange of vows. The words they spoke to each other were incredibly touching and had everyone feeling the love.
The evening unfolded like your typical wedding day—snapping photos with friends and family, a beautiful ceremony, and the reception. Man, this reception. The Ten Peaks Wedding Venue took my breath away with its jaw-dropping 360-degree views of Mt. Crested Butte, Gothic Mountain, and all of Crested Butte Valley. As a photographer, I felt like I was in heaven. But I think my favorite part was how everyone was just bursting with joy and ready to have a blast. Dani and Kendall were beaming with happiness, surrounded by their loved ones, reveling in the celebration of their love. It was an out-of-this-world experience, at the least!
Are you ready to plan your Crested Butte wedding in Colorado? Or is an intimate elopement calling your name? If you believe I could be the perfect Colorado photographer to capture your unique story, take a moment to discover more about me! Ready to turn your vision into a reality? Let’s connect and let the adventure begin!
Photography | Whitney Rae Photography
Venue, Catering and Bar | Ski Crested Butte & Vail Resorts Weddings
Cinema | Glasshouse Wedding Films
Dessert | Cake Me Away Colorado
Entertainment | Shavano Soundz
Florals | Finally Floral
Hair | Top Knot Wedding Hair
Makeup | Natalie Vierling Makeup
Planning, Design, and Rentals | Lucky Penny Events
Transportation | @alpineexpress
Every wedding is unique and deserves more than a cookie-cutter approach. By stepping back to let intimate moments unfold naturally while offering support and guidance to ensure no important memory is missed, I strive to create timeless images that blend an editorial style with a documentary approach. From the distinctive details of your celebration to the cherished traditions, I'll deliver a collection of photographs that allow you to relive these memories for years to come. After all, the moments that matter most aren’t always staged or polished—they’re raw, authentic, and uniquely you.
Don’t you agree?
Your wedding day is a story—one filled with fleeting moments of beauty, deep emotion, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. As an artist, I am here to preserve those moments with intention, artistry, and care. I don’t just capture what your wedding looked like—I document how it felt.
Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Vail, Colorado, I am deeply inspired by the way love and nature intertwine. There’s something poetic about the way light moves across mountain peaks, the way wind dances through a bride’s veil, and how the beauty of the outdoors mirrors the intimacy of a wedding day. My work is shaped by this connection—an effortless blend of refined editorial imagery and documentary storytelling, allowing each wedding to unfold naturally while being captured with timeless elegance.
Beyond photography, I am an adventurer at heart. Whether I’m exploring new landscapes, hiking through the Rockies, or traveling to breathtaking destinations, my love for movement and exploration brings an effortless, natural feel to my imagery. Every love story is unique, and I am deeply invested in capturing the emotions, scenery, and in-between moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable. From the moment we connect, my goal is to provide an effortless, elevated experience that allows you to be fully present while I handle the art of storytelling. With a calm, intuitive approach, I blend artistic direction with documentary storytelling—guiding you when needed while allowing your most authentic moments to unfold naturally. My couples value timeless, emotive imagery, a refined yet relaxed presence, and the confidence of knowing their memories are being preserved with intention. When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me skiing down the slopes, hiking with my husband and our two border collies, or enjoying a slow morning with a perfectly crafted latte. I live for meaningful conversations, spontaneous adventures, and capturing beauty in the quiet, in-between moments of life—just as I do with my couples. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to provide an intimate, high-touch experience, ensuring each love story is captured with the highest level of artistry and care. If you feel drawn to timeless, emotional, and editorial-inspired imagery, I would love to hear your vision and create something extraordinary together.
"she made the day feel so easy and seamless"